Illinois

The Bottom Line

Least Tax-Friendly

Illinois has been struggling with budget deficits for a while, and in July 2017 raised its flat tax on income from 3.75% to 4.95%. And the bad news doesn’t stop there. Property taxes in Illinois are the second-highest in the nation and state and local sales taxes are steep in the Prairie State, one of Kiplinger’s top ten least tax-friendly states. In some areas, the combined rate can be as high as 10% — among the highest sales tax rates in the U.S. Even prescription drugs are taxed, albeit only at 1%.

Smokers also note: Cook County adds an extra $3.00 to the state’s $1.98 cigarette tax, and Chicago (which is in Cook County) another $1.18 to that. The result: A pack purchased in Chicago has the highest total tax in the country at $6.16.

Sales Tax

6.25% state levy. Localities can add as much as 4.75%, and the average combined rate is 8.70%, according to the Tax Foundation. Food, prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs are all taxed at 1% by the state.

Income Tax Range

There is a flat rate of 4.95% of federal adjusted gross income after modifications.

Property Taxes

Vehicle Taxes

Sales tax is 6.25% and up, depending on locality, on purchases of new cars. Private purchases of used cars are subject to a lower use tax that can vary by the age of the vehicle.

Sin Taxes

Cigarettes and little cigars: $1.98 per pack, Cook County has an additional tax of $3.00. Three localities, all in Cook County, add to that: Chicago ($1.18) Evanston ($0.50) and Cicero ($0.16). A pack purchased in Chicago has the highest total tax in the country: $6.16 per pack. Snuff: $0.30 per ounceOther tobacco products: 36% of the wholesale price.

Beer: $0.23 per gallonWine: $1.39 per gallon Liquor: $8.55 per gallon Vapor products: Chicago has an excise tax of $0.80 per unit plus $0.55 per ml in the city of Chicago. Cook County has an excise tax of $0.20 per ml

Travel Taxes

Hotels: 6%. Additional taxes are levied by local governments. The combined rate in Chicago tops 16%.

Rental cars: 5%, with additional taxes levied by local governments.

Taxes On Wireless Service

18.25%

Inheritance and Estate Taxes

Illinois has an estate tax with a $4 million exemption. The maximum estate-tax rate is 16%. There is no inheritance tax.